Starting to Show & Complications - General/Family Life/Health

(Originally written September of 2017-Didn't revise or edit to maintain the authenticity of when it was originally written.) 

Hearing or seeing others around you go through a pregnancy is nothing like when it happens to you; I'm fast realizing that! Don't get me wrong, it's quickly becoming a favorite past time for me, I just can't get over how amazing the frequency and the rate that the female body undergoes as it changes to create a child; the physical preparation it goes through for delivery…utter fascination! I'm seeing it day by day with my body. Literally at three months I couldn't visually tell anything was going on with my body aside from tender breasts and seriously being drained (literally always wanting to sleep), but with the pregnancy app I was able to get an understanding of what was happening on the inside. Which reminds me, not to formally advocate or publicize, babycenter.com is awesome word of advice to all pregnant women! Anyway, I digress on that front…

Second trimester began and I was finally noticing and feeling a little bulge on my tummy area. Something magical was growing and being created inside me. My regular day clothes were finally not going to cut it (especially for work) considering that aside from the social pregnancy norm-I wasn't interested in wearing the typical maternity clothes or even the tight maternity clothes, at least not yet anyway. I figured there would be a time when it would be pointless to wear loose fitted clothing without looking like humpty dumpty. There was also the factor that my family has a more conservative aspect when it comes to the baby bump revealing-it has merit. Cowboy, made a point of taking me on a shopping spree for new clothes, considering that after the rapid growth and body changes in the first trimester, I was going to need some reliable (for lack of a better term) clothing as the baby bump grew even more and he would be busy with work (as would I). The essentials of a few new tops and capris bottoms, cover-ups, dresses, and a few new shoes; items to mix and match with my other clothing that I COULD and WOULD still be able to wear with the baby bulge.

I have to say that I should have put better attention to what my mother kept telling me, "Take the time to enjoy this part of the pregnancy and get some rest, make sure to take it easy." Unfortunately, this pregnancy wasn't in the best of times for us as there was a lot of transitions, work was really busy (that's right I was still working full-time), and just overall a lot going on for me…stress would be the term for it. Traveling on a constant basis from three cities; Prosper, Dallas, and Rockwall while probably only getting about the average of four to five hours of sleep a night and that was on good days! Well, it took a toll on my body and the pregnancy, that I soon was diagnosed with a complicated pregnancy…from the doctor's aspect I was to be cautious and vigilant but thank God, what started off as a little peanut was fast becoming a healthy baby. As you can imagine from my earlier statement, I didn't slow it down any, on the contrary I was trying to fit what a person should do in five years with their partner/family in a ten-month span (basically in the timeframe of the pregnancy). I was getting lectured left and right, was being told to take it easy (easier for others to tell you when they aren't the ones taking care of all your things), and even with my parents and sister trying to help as best as they could-things still weren't done, and I felt that time was running out quickly. I needed for Cowboy to do a lot more than what was currently being done yet the way he was raised didn't have an exact correlation to how I was raised and did things…lots of learning curves for everyone (especially myself) however at the end of the day I was blessed and thankful that God kept a close eye on my little peanut that was cooking up inside me. I look back on this trimester now and realize some of my errors in addition to the fact that my family did (and are still doing) a lot to help Cowboy and I…the repayment is too huge to even fathom. 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman

Heal They Self, Healthy Self - General/Family Life/Health

(Originally written April of 2017-Didn't revise or edit to maintain the authenticity of when it was originally written.) 

"The greatest gift you can give your family and the world, is a healthy you."
-Joyce Meyer-

It's officially six months since I had babygirl...it feels like just yesterday, but the days are definitely adding up. Don't believe me, check it out for yourself with the picture I have on here. The fact is I'm still working on getting rid of all the baby weight! It's annoying but I'm working hard and determined!

Top Left: This was the December/January picture and sized clothing. I remember I was getting conscientious of the bulged stomach as well as the fact that I was looking for clothes that would tastefully cover my gained baby weight. I know what you're thinking; me, the very self-confidant and high self-esteem person conscientious of her figure!?! The answer is yes. Before you go being judgmental or critiquing me, if you haven't had kids yet then you have no factual personal evidence to back up anything you're thinking or feeling. Once you experience it THEN comment. Secondly, I'm not being conscientious about my weight for aesthetic reasons, it's actually something much more personal. I'll get into that later...Some women claim it's the hormones affecting their emotions and thought process or the "mommy brain". Although some women tend to use these two facts of life for a mom, as excuses for not bettering themselves or staying healthy, I for one know that my conscientiousness stems from "mommy brain" and the fact that I was thankfully extremely healthy before my pregnancy which is what kept my daughter healthy and whole during the stressful pregnancy. She came out strong, receiving and taking away all the nourishment and "good juices" from my body. That's the main reason why I want to get back into shape; feeling and working like I did before she came along, so that I know that I can withstand the tough/tougher times that may come our way. Ok so that's about 75%, the other 25% is I'll admit for not only feeling good but looking good-besides staying fit and healthy allows me to live in the clothing that's cheaper. Why maternity clothing and larger clothing is so expensive...is beyond me. I understand that more fabric and material is used, but at the rate of obesity in this country you would think that the clothing for the thinner people would be a few dollars more. I digress....

Top Right: The January/February picture where I wasn't as concerned about wearing clothing to cover up my mid-section, tummy bulge, and "love handles"...no I was just resorting back to some of my maternity shirts and dresses to feel comfortable, confidant, and have clothing fit me a little looser. Ok let's face it, some maternity clothes are so darn comfy that why wouldn't you still wear it even after the baby is born!?! I did and some items I still am. The Capri in this pic were definitely still my maternity Capri.

Middle Left: These two pictures were early March, where I was literally starting to feel my physically able to work out and function. Not 100% pre-pregnancy fit but a very good percentage of that healthiness feeling. It's hard to explain but many of you know what I mean. Sometimes it has nothing to do with inches or weight-loss and all about that "feeling". Do you know what I mean? It's the feeling of inner power, strength, and agility. That even if you didn't sleep well, your body is ready to take on that extra few hours of labor/work/exertion. No? Maybe just me?Anyway! I had that great feeling that I was wanting to wear more shorts and I felt the ligaments/muscles at work inside. It's hard to explain when you are in tune with your body, when many others out there aren't in tune or can't comprehend the phrase "in tune with your body." Some just make fun of that statement, claiming its some stupidity or a means of paying for a yoga/Pilates class. You name it, there are plenty of statements against the phrase. Well moving on then.

Bottom: The two bottom pictures with the tank top, are this month exactly! Feeling great and regardless of what people say or think, I like how I look as well! Working with no more than 10lb weights in routines as well as free weights in addition to still eating the way I did before the pregnancy! I'm at 189.2lbs instead of the 210.6lbs on my release from the hospital, October 26th, 2016.

Continuing to work on getting lean and loving it. It helps to have my mother's support and understanding about my need and want for working out as well. It's to get me back where I was health/physically but it was also my biggest stress reliever. When things were too difficult in the real world, running and being outside provided me my distraction, but pushing my body harder and longer is what took away my anger and frustrations...until I don't run out of breath (basically build my endurance back up) I will have to keep boxing/kickboxing on the back burner for now...If the weather is nice, I'll try to get out of work early enough to get home in ample time, to walk babygirl in her stroller - sometimes with the dogs. Other times I'll work out during my lunch hour at work in the gym provided by the building. Either way I'll try one way or the other to have my 10,000 steps! Yes, that means I have a Fitbit as well - I do suggest getting one if you are trying to get a routine in place or start on a healthy regimen. The fact is what my doctor told me has finally registered in my head..."it takes up to ten months for your body to prepare in creating and having a child, so keep that in mind when you are getting impatient or frustrated at not losing all of the baby weight yet. It takes time to heal and sometimes longer if you had a cesarean, like you did. It might take a full year before you actually see physical improvements."

Time is on my side, and I have another six months of patient training...so new momma's or women trying to lose the baby weight. Make a goal and stick to it - even if others laugh or critique it. It's working for me and I'm not dieting NOR am I skipping meals. I'm a person with a budget, busy life (sometimes on less than four hours a night of sleep), child, family, friends, and long driving time to and from work; if I can make it happen other women out there have no excuse. Stay strong and you got this. 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman

The Day My World Changed - General/Family Life

(Originally written March 2017-Did not bother revising editing for authenticity)

Since I was little, I always had this strong connection, vocation (for religious believers like me), or urge/desire (for the non-religious) to have and create a family of my own. Little did I know how beautiful but scary the whole thing would be...It was definitely not planned nor in the order of life that I had anticipated to get pregnant. The irony of it all was that for about 8 months prior I was giving up on family life and finding someone. Yes, I know, it sounds dramatic and stupid considering that I'm in the prime of life (early twenties) however nonetheless that's how I felt. I was concentrating my life back into my career and passions! Yes, I did go back on a dating site, but I really didn't think anything of it. If a date arose from it then "that's nice" was the mantra in my head and I would see what would happen, but my sole focus and attention wouldn't be on that. My physical health was I think at its best and continuing and I had new goals in mind! How God has a sense of humor especially when one of his children thinks she can do it all without anyone in her life. Don't misinterpret me, I thank God for all my talents and gifts because without him providing me with the right tools I wouldn't be where I am in life (that includes parents and family) however, my ego and pride (one of my vices and major defects in certain decisions of life) are what tend to, I think, upset our Lord and Savior. So, while I'm playing checkers, God has already check-mated me. That's right two different playing fields and if a human thinks he/she can play on God's playground then you've got another thing coming!

According to doctors I conceived in the middle of February 2016, but regardless of all my education and involvement in the "real world", I was oblivious and naive to the signs that were all there...since I never thought once that it would happen to me (at that time) or that it was possible, I didn't finally know for sure until March. It was odd too because the only reason I took the pregnancy test was because I was trying to win a bet! After vocalizing my symptoms and how I was feeling, I took the test so I could prove someone else wrong! HA-boy did that backfire! But I actually ended up winning, I think. My situation and circumstance weren't the best at the time so I don't know how anyone else would react, but I know the first emotion was actually panic. It went quickly from panic to tears, to joy, and then stressful concern. My ex-husband (a guy I was just dating at the time) seemed to be joyous and helped in trying to relieve my mind but hearing him only worsened my emotions. So many things were still left pending (for lack of a better word). Me, always having plans and being organized and OCD, couldn't help but feel anger and stress that things weren't as I wanted them or pictured them to be when I would have a baby...The rest of that day was lovely regardless, but I remember that evening I was emotionally on pins and needles...it was until I was snuggled into my bed with the quiet and peaceful darkness of the room covering me, that I enjoyed the moment of knowing that I would be having a baby...After a few years of dating, praying, and getting my heart broken-I was blessed with an upcoming baby.

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman

Lombardis Part III Brunch - Restaurant Review/Recommend

I know I know; I've already posted about this wonderfully delicious and impressionable place but there's more! Yes, I've talked about their abilities during a girl's night out and a special occasion dinner! But to my wonderful surprise (well for my family and I) their weekend brunch is NO different!

When we ventured in though to enjoy their brunch it was an early afternoon and, on a Sunday. We lucked out because it was a Sunday with a lot of graduations, so we had a very peaceful setting where it almost felt like the entire restaurant was just catering to us-it was really nice :) They did not rush, the food was amazingly delicious AND as before, the service was phenomenal!

Above: the Lobster Roll Croissant

Above: Cotto Ham & Provolone Omelette

Below: told the waitress to give me a little chocolate flavor with whatever the bar wanted to add. Their recipe was delicious to the mouth buds!

Seriously if you haven't gone to enjoy their location-you REALLY need to!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Lombardi’s Part II Special Dinner - Restaurant Review/Recommend

I know, I've already written about Lombardi's but guess what, it was so delicious and too awesome to pass up on again! Although the second time was for a special celebration and not a girls night out. My sister organized a nice dinner for Mother's Day weekend for our mom, my girls, our dad, her, and myself. 

We got out seating underneath the beautifully lit and comfortable booths underneath the indoor large trees that take up the space in the middle of the main dining room area. The environment was as wonderful as the first time and the food was just as delicious if not more!

Appetizers and starters were ordered for the table, which is something that we didn't get to do for the girls night out. So not only were they delicious but they were well done as well; suggestions would be the calamari, meatballs, and their Italian chopped salad. The order that I labeled the dishes is the order that I'll expand on; calamari - nicely crispy but not overly so like many other restaurants where your basically biting into the batter of what was fried with very little calamari and the sauces they provide that compliment are just as delicious! Meatballs-are both tender and nicely sized, they also weren't stingy on the serving (like again some other restaurant) with their tomato marinara not overly acidic nor too tomato-y to provoke heartburn or this very tomato paste after flavoring. So my favorite chopped salad is usually ordered at Magliano's but when you're wanting a small portion and still refreshingly delicious, Lombardi's Italian Chopped Salas should be something that you order! 

Entrees of course were not a disappointment and even more delicious (I feel) this round. A twist for the evening was that our dad ordered their Surf and Turf equivalent and OH MY GOD was it mouth watering on so many levels! Not only was it worth EVERY bite but the plate itself was just colorful and so fresh. Vegetables nicely cooked, the mashed potatoes were nicely whipped and fluffy-to have potatoes created where they are light and though it's a starch! They didn't make you feel full and heavy after eating them. The lobster was divine and beyond delicious, while the meat-oh my Atlanta the meat...juicy, tender, thick, great portion, and addicting. That is something we highly suggest and recommend for anyone to order! Shoot even if it's the items as their own entrees.

What really has now set apart this specific restaurant to others is the nice touch they provide when you bring your own baked goods in celebratory means. They hold your cake for you in the back (their kitchen) but its their presentation of bringing that baked good to you-they have a nice little cart where they slice and serve; truly a nice touch. 

So take it from me, for your special occasion they know how its done too! 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Regions 117 - Restaurant Review/Recommend

If you're looking for a little sight seeing and pretty delicious American food, then you need to take a scenic drive to Lake Frederick, VA for some delicious grub at Regions 117!

The restaurant has a very cozy contemporary rustic feel to it, with massive windows and high ceilings, and one hell of a clean large open kitchen! The views that you had all around the main dining area were awesome! Their restrooms though a little dark were clean and still fresh. Their staff all pleasant and patiently knowledgeable of the menu and for their customers. 

Not going to lie, all the plates we ordered were delicious and I do apologize that I didn't take more pictures, but I was literally more worried about my kids taking me food! And not leaving me any! That I was more focused on eating and enjoying the food then making sure I had enough pictures for a post. 

Seriously, though don't take my word for it though-take a trip and have some deliciousness!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Lombardi’s Cucina Italiana @ Frisco, TX - Restaurant Review/Recommend

Before I begin this post, I will warn that it may be lengthy in some area, and I do apologize but I just didn't want to take away from the full impression and take-away that I also received from this specific establishment. I'm talking that though it's not a Bob's Steakhouse, I left highly impressed and just dumb founded about the entire experience itself!

If you haven't been to Lombardi's Cucina at the Star area in Frisco, TX you really need to go! From the moment you enter and from ceiling to the floor, this place truly gives an ambiance for every occasion; an intimate date night, watching a game, chilling at the bar solo or with others, girls' night out, family lunch/dinner, and even the family Sunday Brunch! The entry area provides a great setting for group or couple pictures/selfies. Beautifully decorated and just an inviting entrance overall.

The color schemes throughout the restaurant provide a relaxing comfortable environment for either a date night or a single person just out on the town. They have a seafood station (more for prepping for the kitchen) at the far back left hand corner, then in the middle of the restaurant are these beautifully set up trees with lighting and intimate booths surrounding the tree area. They have a nicely rounded bar to provide ample views of every corner of the restaurant, whether you're people watching or just enjoying the space and crowd. The back side of the bar faces this nice little nook area for what feels like a more private dining experience and of course! The far right side of the restaurant has these huge floor to almost ceiling windows, that lead to a luscious and refreshingly green patio seating. I haven't personally sat in the patio yet but it is on my to do list!

Their staff all seem friendly, courteous, knowledgeable, and most of all cater to the needs of your table which is in my opinion intoxicating to experience. Their restrooms are nicely laid out with nice privacy stalls for the needs of the women. Clean and light colors, which I always appreciate because then I don't go getting the germaphobe thought process (and no for the records I'm not a germaphobe!) With all that being said, now we enter into the best part of the restaurant, it's food!

If you aren't a foodie I feel that after eating here you will most certainly become one! Everything is made in house FRESH, from farm to table in addition to all of their ingredients being made daily and as you order. They provide fresh variety versions of "bread" in a wooded box with two sauces, which helps as you're trying to figure out what you want to eat/order. Their wine menu is adequate and their mixed drinks are varied enough for the palettes of the many. 

First time in attendance and it was a girls night out so for dinner on a Friday night (where they have the live music and singers, that are both tasteful and have a nice blend of old and New Age music) so many things were ordered and many flavors were passed around the table (entrees that is). 

The one thing I have to say, is that if you love whiskey you NEED to make sure you save space for dessert and order their "Monte Cristo"! That dessert is truly for the lovers of both whiskey, chocolate, and that Italian feel! You won't be disappointed!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman